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Performance of Portable Radios Exposed to Elevated Temperatures

Published

Author(s)

Michelle K. Donnelly, William F. Young, Dennis G. Camell

Abstract

This study investigates the performance issues associated with the use of handheld portable radios by fire fighters working in elevated temperature environments. Radios may be vulnerable to elevated temperatures that can be encountered during fire fighting activities. Controlled, repeatable, well characterized test methods were used to measure radio performance. The radios were exposed to elevated temperature environments for specific temperatures and times. At Thermal Class I conditions of 100 ºC for 25 minutes, all of the radios tested maintained frequency stability. At Thermal Class II conditions of 160 ºC for 15 minutes, all of the radios tested experienced signal drift of the mean maximum‑power frequency. Some of the radios stopped transmitting during the testing. specific temperatures and time durations. The radio transmitted at a frequency of 162.175 MHz, and frequency data was collected via a three-axis antenna in order to measure the radio performance. At Thermal Class I conditions of 100 ºC for 25 minutes, all of the radios tested maintained frequency stability. At Thermal Class II conditions of 160 ºC for 15 minutes, all of the radios tested experienced signal drift of the mean maximum-power frequency. Some of the radios stopped transmitting during the testing. Recommendations for a portable radio standard include satisfactory radio performance at Thermal Class I and Thermal Class II conditions, within guidelines for maintaining frequency stability.
Citation
Technical Note (NIST TN) - 1850
Report Number
1850

Keywords

NFPA Standards, radios, thermal exposure

Citation

Donnelly, M. , Young, W. and Camell, D. (2014), Performance of Portable Radios Exposed to Elevated Temperatures, Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.1850 (Accessed March 29, 2024)
Created October 9, 2014, Updated November 10, 2018